Boyertown high school senior devoted to worldly cause

By Hilda Hynes, For Journal Register News Senior

Friday, March 8, 2013

Some individuals in need are more local than others, however the distance doesn’t always determine the commitment. There is one local student that is ready and willing to travel great distances to make a difference.

Grace Beecher, Boyertown Area Senoir High senior, has seen firsthand the positive effect church missions have had on impoverished countries. Two years ago Beecher traveled with a family friend to Guatemala, while there the two took part in building a house.

A year later, Beecher could not wait to do it again. Still too young to go alone, Beecher’s family only agreed she could go after church members recommended Adventures in Missions—an organization with more than one hundred thousand missionaries and many members of Beecher’s own congregation had traveled with the organization in the past for missions around the world.

Drawn to Kenya, Beecher recently spent a month providing community service and support to established Kenyan schools and an orphanage.

“I thought Africa was hot all the time but it was freezing!” said Beecher, however the low temperatures were not the only shock.

Arriving via bus to the most poverty stricken environment, Beecher noted the positive effect the school’s food distribution program and teaching had on the people.

“The people were clearly poor and some still suffered malnutrition, but almost everyone spoke English and it wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be,” said Beecher.

Elder missionaries pointed out the great importance that the returning missions have on the established schools. Under-staffed orphanages and schools depend on the selfless work of the visiting missionaries to help continue the progress being made.

While listening to her experiences, it should come as no surprise to hear that Beecher is determined to continue her missionary work. Next September Beecher hopes to travel back to Africa to live and work between homesteads, huts and different villages. It will be quite an adjustment seeing as she will be living overseas until May the following year, but the call to fellowship and community service outweighs any other inconvenience.

A mission of this length is costly. With a fourth of the funds already raised, Beecher is hopeful she can raise the $13,000 she needs by August 2013 with the help of others.

The Historic State Theatre of Boyertown is hosting a missiontripcomedyfundraiser the evening of April 27.

“The State is so very involved in helping the community; it’s very admirable, and I’m so grateful,” said Beecher.

This event begins at 7 p.m. and will open with the acoustic sounds of Marley Kropp followed by “Nationally Touring Clean Comedy Favorite”Bradd Toddof Scranton, Pa.Durango’s Saloon, 120 E. Phila. Ave., will be the event’s featured restaurant offering special discounts to all ticket holders for the night of the event.

Admission for the event is $15 in advance or $20 day of show. Tickets can be purchased from Beecher herself, Durango’s Saloon or by visiting the Theatre Box Office.